McCarthy Expected Derby to Win Automatic Promotion
Friday, 6th May 2016 06:00
Boss Mick McCarthy says he expected the Blues final day opponents Derby County to win automatic promotion rather than having to rely on winning the play-offs to reach the Premier League.
The Rams are currently fifth in the Championship but if they beat the Blues and Hull City lose at home to Rotherham will climb to fourth, which would give them home advantage in the second leg of their play-off semi-final against the Tigers.
Town can move up to seventh from their current position of eighth if they win at the iPro Stadium and Cardiff fail to beat Birmingham at home.
Be Very Afraid, The Rams Are on a Roll - Notes for Derby
Friday, 6th May 2016 11:00 by HarryFromBath
HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday’s final game of the season against the Rams by delving into their forums.
“Derby County is a very happy ship”, “We are on a roll with all cylinders firing”, “We are unbeaten in six games and we go into the final league game and the Hull play-offs full of confidence”, “Nothing to fear in the play-offs”, “We have a proper football team”, “Let joy be unconfined. Fear no one.”
“A fine time to start gaining momentum.” Derby go into Saturday’s game with confidence high having consolidated a play-off place with a strong run-in to their league campaign. A four-game winning run has been followed by draws against promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton.
Boss Mick McCarthy says neither he nor his players are giving up on the Blues reaching the play-offs. Town, who face relegated Blackpool at Portman Road today, dropped to eighth, three points off the top six, following Monday’s 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield.
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At least 14 English-born footballers of dual-nationality are eligible to represent the Barbados senior national football team on international duty.
Sheffield United and former Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster, Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman, Nottingham Forest left-back Tyler Blackett and Stoke City attacking midfielder Tom Ince are some of the biggest names who qualify to play for the Barbados Tridents through their parents.
AFC Wimbledon’s 19-year-old Nesta Guiness-Walker and 21-year-old New York Red Bulls midfielder Dru Yearwood are also eligible.
Barbados could dip into the English talent pool to boost their squad ahead of the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers 2022, the Concacaf Gold Cup slated for this summer and the 2026 World Cup. (AGB)
Wigan Winger Linked
Sunday, 8th Mar 2015 11:06
Town are reported to be keen to sign Wigan winger James McClean on loan for the remainder of the season.
According to the
Sun on Sunday manager Mick McCarthy wants to add the Ireland international to his squad as the Blues go into the final 10 games of the season.
Town would reportedly have to pay McClean £20,000 a week if he were to make the move, which would appear to be a significant potential stumbling block.
The 25-year-old has been a regular in the Wigan side in recent weeks as the Latics continue their relegation battle so would seem to be firmly in manager Malky Mackay’s plans for the rest of the season, however, the